"Braving the Chill: A Winter Fishing Adventure on Lake Champlain"

As of December 12, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Champlain is quite promising despite the winter chill. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

First, let's address the tidal aspect, although it's not a significant factor on Lake Champlain since it's a freshwater lake. However, for those interested, today's water levels will see a low tide at 3:53 AM and 3:56 PM, with high tides at 7:15 AM and 7:45 PM[2].

The weather is partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit, making it a crisp winter day for fishing. The wind is light, coming from the northwest at about 5-10 mph[5].

Sunrise today is at around 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:02 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trip, as many fish species are more active during these transitional periods.

Yesterday saw a lot of activity from various species. Anglers reported catching a good number of northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and even some trophy lake trout. The water temperature is around the mid-40s, which is typical for this time of year and can affect fish behavior[5].

For largemouth bass, targeting submerged vegetation with lures like bladed jigs, such as the Z-Man Chatterbait Elite EVO, or soft plastics like the Missile Baits Baby D Stroyer, has been effective. For smallmouth bass, focusing on structure and using jigs or crankbaits can yield good results[1][4].

Hot spots include the weedy bays and submerged structures, particularly around the shoreline and offshore areas with access to deep water. The areas around Plattsburgh and the Champlain Islands are known for their diverse habitats and healthy fish populations[4].

In summary, today is a great day to hit Lake Champlain, with a variety of species active and the right conditions to make your fishing trip successful. Just remember to dress warmly and be prepared for the winter conditions.